Chapter 9. Holy Delight should cause Thankfulness
Chapter 9.
Holy Delight should cause Thankfulness What cause they have to be thankful, who can find this spiritual delight in God! How David blessed God that He gave the people hearts to offer so cheerfully to the building of the temple: "Who am I, and what are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly in this way?" 2Chr 29.14. Their willingness was more than their offering. So a Christian should say, 'Lord, when there are so many pressed soldiers,32 who am I, that I should be able to offer so willingly? Who am I that I should have your free Spirit, and should serve you out of choice rather than constraint!' It is a great blessing to have this promptitude and alacrity in God's service. Delight animates us to duty; now we act with a purpose in religion.
Christians are never drawn so powerfully and sweetly, as when the chain of delight is fastened to their heart. Without this, all is lost; our praying and hearing are like water spilled upon the ground. It loses both its beauty and its reward. Then bless God, Christian, who has oiled the wheels of your soul with delight, and now you can "run and not be weary." (Isa 40.31) For your comfort, be assured that you shall not lack anything your heart can desire, "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he shall give you the desires of your heart," Psa 37.4.